Eco Schools

At The Willink, we’re proud to hold the Eco-Schools Green Flag accreditation—a global mark of excellence in environmental action and sustainability education. This prestigious award, part of the Eco-Schools programme, recognises our commitment to empowering students to make a positive environmental impact in our school, community, and beyond.

What is Eco-Schools?

Eco-Schools provides a practical, seven-step framework for schools, colleges, and nurseries to actively engage students in meaningful environmental projects. By following this framework throughout the year, students learn about global ecological challenges, explore solutions, and take actionable steps to reduce their environmental impact. With topics ranging from biodiversity to waste reduction, Eco-Schools turns big issues into manageable, impactful projects that can make a real difference.

Eco-Schools Green Flag Accreditation

Each year, schools that have completed the Eco-Schools Seven Steps can apply for the Eco-Schools Green Flag during the annual application period (May 1st to July 31st). The application process serves as a celebration of the hard work and dedication of our students, recognising them as leaders in sustainability and helping to inspire lifelong environmental responsibility.  An Eco-Schools Green Flag is valid for one academic year, after which schools reapply to renew their accreditation, reinforcing their ongoing commitment to sustainability. As part of this process, accredited schools receive feedback from Eco-Schools Green Flag assessors to help build and enhance their programmes further.

In July 2024, The Willink achieved this accreditation. On review of The Willink's application, The Eco-Schools Team commended The Willink for its students' passion and awareness of environmental issues, noting that the school’s Eco-Committee was pupil-led and highly engaged. They stated that meeting minutes provided valuable insight into the committee’s dynamics, highlighting the students' commitment to creating positive environmental impacts locally and beyond. 

The Willink completed an Environmental Review as part of the application process, and this was praised for being thorough and idea-rich, setting a strong foundation for an impactful Action Plan. By focusing on topics that were meaningful to the students, The Willink was seen to successfully maximise its engagement, resulting in practical projects such as planting initiatives and building bird boxes. The report further praised the integration of environmental issues across the curriculum, acknowledging the dedication of staff members and expressing appreciation for their commitment to incorporating sustainability in students’ learning.

The Eco-Schools Team also noted the effectiveness of the Eco-Committee’s communication efforts, including assemblies and other methods to keep the school community informed and involved. Additionally, the collaborative creation of an Eco-Code (see below) was highlighted as an approach that fostered student ownership and reinforced their commitment to sustainability.

In conclusion, the Eco-Schools Team report awarded The Willink an Eco-Schools Green Flag, applauding the school’s outstanding achievements and dedication to environmental education.

The Willink's Eco Code

• Working together as changemakers; promoting a sustainable community
• Investing in renewable energy resources and materials
• Linking and engaging with local and global communities
• Litter picking and reducing plastic waste through reusing, recycling and repurposing
• Increasing eco-friendly modes of transport to school
• Nourishing and respecting the environment around us
• Keeping The Willink a clean, pleasant and thriving environment for all to achieve in

Our Eco School Council

The Willink's Eco School Council is made up of a group of students across the school year groups. Our inspiring, student led, Eco-Committee can be highly commended for their thorough and decisive action plan for the school, their collaboration and commitment to community service. They truly reflect the fact that The Willink is a “village school with a global outlook” with students who demonstrate the qualities of future global changemakers.

Last Updated November 2024